Vent: Photo Potpourri Of City Life

Categories: photography

Photo Potpourri Of City Life

Ron Friday, May 25, 2012

Hola everyone!

I would like to conclude my posting this week with a potpourri of photographs I’ve taken over the past 7-8 months.

I will quite often take photos and upload them to my computer where they stay for a while, until I decide to tweak them a bit by cropping and sharpening.

Some of these photos date back to late last fall yet, when I look at them against the vivid blue sky, they appear as though they were taken during the spring and summer.

I can never tell what my eye will be drawn to when I use my camera. I think it all depends on the mood I’m in that day. Sometimes I’m in the mood to photograph shadows and reflections, people, unique store signs, and then other times simply the diverse architecture in this city.

So allow me to share an array of city images with you.

Please enjoy…

Lobby entrance to one of the office buildings in Center City

Tree branch shadows

View down a cobblestone street in Old City

Swarovski Crystal Store

Vetri, an Italian restaurant on Spruce Street

A bicycle stand made out of a drill and chain

Window reflection off the Old Stock Exchange Building

A rooftop terrace in Old City

If you look at this photo very carefully, you will notice that dog owner and dog have the exact same profile and body language. Is that not ADORABLE?

Graffiti on a building off Samson Street

Let's tiptoe through the tulips.

Wishing you a terrific weekend everyone!

And Happy Memorial Day…..X

56 Comments:

barbj92 said...:

May 25, 2012

Good morning Ronnie,

Thank you for the quick trip back to Philly!
I also loved looking at the architecture in the city. You have zoomed in on some of the beautiful geometry of it, like the bricks or those ceiling details. You have a great eye of finding details hidden in and around the buildings, too!!

I have been enjoying all the the photos, but got a real kick of the bull dog and it's master. Great capture!!

Thanks again for bringing a bit of sunshine.
xox

Valerie said...:

May 25, 2012

One man and his dog... that was a FANTASTIC capture. You're right about the body language... amazing. Loved all the pictures, Ron, all unique in their own way but those that stood out for me were the wonderful Swarvoski sign, the 247 plate on the wall and the rusty chain... but don't ask me why... haha. Oh, and those flowers, an amazing colour.

My photographic skills seem be waning, probably through lack of decent subjects.

Have a wonderful Friday and weekend.

ladyV said...:

May 25, 2012

the first one would be my favorite. i do love the different angles you used and the colors are great.

do you have an option to photograph or convert to black and white. for some reason, i want to do more b&w, but finding the right subject is not always easy.

thanks for sharing, love the pics.

myfwbs said...:

May 25, 2012

Hello, Ron!

Again, you have produced some BEAUTIFUL photos!

Thanks for popping over and giving me a nudge. I've been MIA for a while, but have been reading even though failing to comment or to blog myself. I made a trip to Panama City, FL, planned and attended the funeral of my father in law, took another trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, and spent lots of evenings going out with friends. This weekend, I am taking Sage to Roanoke, VA for their Festival in the Park. Needless to say I've had a busy month. I promise to do better!

I hope you have a marvi Memorial Day weekend!

XOXO

Diane

dianne777 said...:

May 25, 2012

I have been missing your photos so this is a wonderful treat
I love your perspective on the cobblestone street
I adore you for seeing how dog and human are so alike, they're so sweet together, two good old friends
the colors of your flower shots are perfection

loved every single shot

Rob Lenihan said...:

May 25, 2012

Great photos, Ron! Just the kind of thing I needed to brighten up this dreary morning. You have a really great eye. I love them all, but I'm especially fond of the dog/owner photo and the tree shadow picture. Thanks for posting these, buddy, and have a great weekend!

SuziCate said...:

May 25, 2012

You know I LOVE those purple flowers. The rest are great as well...you make city life look quite enticing!

Tara Cutler said...:

May 25, 2012

What a great eye! Thank you for sharing a little bit of your city. Maybe one of these days you'll be able to show Mark and I around. ;-)

Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Dave said...:

May 25, 2012

The insight to your soul has just emerged through your photos. I love all the shots. Especially the man and his dog. The shadow of the leaf less tree on the birck wall tells me that your talent is always with you Thus the reason for 247: 24--7. 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. I love the energy you display.

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Good morning Barb~

You are so welcome, dear friend. Every time I take photos of Philly I always think of YOU :)

The thing I love about city living is that there is such an extreme diverse of images to photograph - both the elegance and grungy rawness.

Isn't the image of the master and bull dog adorable? I took that photo from very far away, so when I uploaded it to my computer and then cropped it, it was the first time I had seen the similarity in their profile and body language myself.

Thanks for stopping by, Barb! Have a wonderful weekend!

(((( You )))))

XOX

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Gooooood morning Valerie~

Thank you.

As I shared with Barb, I took that photo from very far away, so I had not initially seen the similarity in the man and his dog until I cropped it close. Aren't they adorable sitting there together?

The Swarvoski store just opened last month on Walnut Street, so that's a recent photo. The rusty chain was an image I had taken late last fall, as well as the 247 plate.

"My photographic skills seem be waning, probably through lack of decent subjects."

I LOVE your photographs!

Thanks so much for stopping by, dear lady. Have a wonderful Friday and weekend.....X

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hey there ladyV~

Thank you. The first one is one of my favorites also. That was a photo I took a while back. I can't even remember the name of building I took that in.

"do you have an option to photograph or convert to black and white. for some reason, i want to do more b&w, but finding the right subject is not always easy."

Yes, I do. And funny you mentioned that because I may be posting a series of black and whites which I converted, later next month. As you know...I too LOVE b&w, and you're right...it has to be a certain subject.

Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl! Have a super weekend!

X

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Good morning Lady Dianne~

Aw, thank you. Glad you enjoyed. I've been thinking about adding a photo post on Wednesdays. Next month, when I visit my family, I will have more time, so I may start doing it then.

"I adore you for seeing how dog and human are so alike, they're so sweet together, two good old friends."

Tee, hee! Aren't they freakin' adorable together? As I shared in my comments above, I didn't initially see that. It was only when I uploaded it to my computer and cropped it, did I notice the similarities. I took that photo from a very far distance.

Thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind and supportive words.

Have a wonderful weekend!

X and hugs to you, Hope, Siren, and Isadora!

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hey there Suzi~

"You know I LOVE those purple flowers."

YES I do!!!!! Purple is one of your favorite colors, right?

"...you make city life look quite enticing!"

The thing I love about city life are the extremes. It offers both the grungy rawness and the elegance. To me, both have their own beauty.

Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

X

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Good morning Tara~

Thank you. And you are so welcome. I love urban living because there is such VAST diversity to look at and capture. I enjoy both the gritty rawness and elegant beauty.

"Maybe one of these days you'll be able to show Mark and I around. ;-)"

Absolutely! I would LOVE that!

Thank you for stopping by, girl! Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend too! Can you believe that summer is almost here??? It's supposed to get VERY hot this weekend here - UGH!

X

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hey there Rob~

Thank you. Yes, it's kinda dreary here today too. Although, I hear this weekend it's supposed to be sunny and VERY hot - Oy vey!

"but I'm especially fond of the dog/owner photo and the tree shadow picture."

The dog/owner photo was a total surprise because I took that image from very far away, therefore I didn't notice their similarities until I uploaded and cropped it. Aren't they ADORABLE???

Thanks for so much for stopping by, buddy! Have a faaaaaabulous weekend!

X

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Goooooooood morning Mr. Dave~

"The shadow of the leaf less tree on the birck wall tells me that your talent is always with you Thus the reason for 247: 24--7. 24 hrs a day 7 days a week."

Aw....thank you, buddy! That is so cool.

It's funny because photography has brought such a joy to me. It has opened up a whole other medium of expression.

Creativity without words.

Thanks so much for stopping by, my Libra friend. Always an honor to have your energy here!

Have a SUPER weekend!

X

Mark said...:

May 25, 2012

Love the Vetri sign, although if their actual forks are twisted like that it's going to make for a challenging pasta eating experience, to say the least!

Great photos, Ron. Keep on snapping away and sharing!

MYFWBS said...:

May 25, 2012

Hello, Ron! Again, you have produced some BEAUTIFUL photos! Thanks for popping over and giving me a nudge. I've been MIA for a while, but have been reading even though failing to comment or to blog myself. I made a trip to Panama City, FL, planned and attended the funeral of my father in law, took another trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, and spent lots of evenings going out with friends. This weekend, I am taking Sage to Roanoke, VA for their Festival in the Park. Needless to say I've had a busy month. I promise to do better! I hope you have a marvi Memorial Day weekend! XOXO

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hey there Mark~

"...although if their actual forks are twisted like that it's going to make for a challenging pasta eating experience, to say the least!"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA! You can say that again!!!!

That restaurant is located on Spruce Street, which is where my first apartment was when I moved back to Philly in 2001.

Thanks for stopping and for your kind and encouraging words, buddy.

Wishing you a faaaaaaaaaaaabulous weekend!

X

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hey there Diane~

It's sooooooooooo great to see you! You have been sooooooo missed in blogland!!!

And thank you. Glad you enjoyed these photos.

"I've been MIA for a while, but have been reading even though failing to comment or to blog myself."

No worries, I was just wondering how you were so I had to stop by yesterday and say hello.

" I made a trip to Panama City, FL, planned and attended the funeral of my father in law, took another trip to Myrtle Beach, SC, and spent lots of evenings going out with friends."

So sorry to hear about your father in law. I too will be going to FL next month to visit my family for two weeks.

"This weekend, I am taking Sage to Roanoke, VA for their Festival in the Park."

Sounds faaaaaabulous! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

(((( You ))))

XOXO

Mary said...:

May 25, 2012

I love looking at photographs! And yours are all terrific, each having something very different to offer. You know how much I enjoy coming over to the city because there is always so much diversity.
I am a bit partial to the first photo because of the colors, but the brick wall one with the numbers and tree branch shadows speaks to me too.

Thanks for sharing them! Much enjoyed!!!

Have a wonderful, happy weekend with lots of opportunities to take more great pictures! xo

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hey there Mary~

Thank you. I love looking at photographs too. And yours are ALWAYS terrific! You have such a wonderful eye. I especially love the photos on your Esty shop because you make all your crafts look so inviting. Very professional!

" You know how much I enjoy coming over to the city because there is always so much diversity."

Yes, I do. And that's why I love living in a city - the extreme diversity of visuals.

That first shot is one of my own favorites. For some reason, I like taking photographs of the lighting above me. That building is on Chestnut Street, but I can't remember the name of it.

Thanks oodles for stopping by, neighbor! Happy weekend to ya!

X

P.S. I hear that Monday it may reach 90 degrees and humid! I'm DREADING it!

Bijoux said...:

May 25, 2012

Gorgeous photos, Ron! Even the graffiti somehow looks like it's in the right place! A friend of mine told me about her birthday trip to Philly to visit her son. She had a great time! Hope your weekend is delightful. XOXO

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hey there Bijoux~

Aw...thank you, my friend.

"Even the graffiti somehow looks like it's in the right place!'

I adore graffiti because it looks like art to me.

"A friend of mine told me about her birthday trip to Philly to visit her son. She had a great time!"

So glad to hear your friend enjoyed Philly. There are SO MANY wonderful restaurants and historical sites to visit.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a terrific holiday weekend!

X

hou07grl said...:

May 25, 2012

oh my that rooftop garden is fabulous! What a slice of paradise that must be and I love the low view down the old stone street. Your photos are excellent Ron, it's just like a personal tour. How I love these chances to peek into Philadelphia from your camera's lens. The brick wall with the shadows just reminds me of an autumn afternoon. Maybe it's the color of the brick. But I just get the feeling that I need to pull on a sweater :) Happy memorial weekend - wishing you well on your upcoming trip. sending love xoxo diane

babs (beetle) said...:

May 25, 2012

They say we grow to look like our dogs - true in this case :)

You have such an eye for photography. I could see your photos in magazines. Funny how we all are drawn to photograph different things. I wouldn't think of that subject matter, yet you do it so well :)

meleahrebeccah said...:

May 25, 2012

These are seriously amazing. My favorite one is the bicycle stand made out of a drill and chain - that's just so cool!

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hey there Diane~

"oh my that rooftop garden is fabulous! What a slice of paradise that must be and I love the low view down the old stone street."

That (the rooftop garden) was one of the photos I took late last fall if you can believe it. Yet, the blue sky and the blooming flowers makes it appear as spring or summer, doesn't it?

"The brick wall with the shadows just reminds me of an autumn afternoon. Maybe it's the color of the brick. But I just get the feeling that I need to pull on a sweater :)"

You're absolutely right, it does look like an autumn afternoon!!! I took that photo one day last week, while walking to the grocery store.

Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl, and for your encouraging words. Happy Memorial Day weekend to you too!

Much XOXO to you and Cristybella!

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hiya Babs~

"They say we grow to look like our dogs - true in this case :)"

HA! You are absolutely right!!!!! After I saw that photo cropped close, I almost died from laughter. They look cute sitting there together, like best buddies!

"Funny how we all are drawn to photograph different things."

Yes, it is, isn't it? Ever since I got this camera last year, I've been seeing things so differently. I seem to notice more.

Thank you so much for stopping by and for your sweet, encouraging words, my friend. It been such a fun and enjoyable journey, learning photography as I go along.

Have a lovely weekend!

X to you and Mo!

Ron said...:

May 25, 2012

Hey there Meleah~

Aw...thank you, girl.

"My favorite one is the bicycle stand made out of a drill and chain - that's just so cool!"

That is also one of my own favorites. When I saw it, I just knew I had to take a picture. At first, I really didn't know what it was. I thought it was just a piece of street art. It's so clever, isn't it?

Thanks so much for stopping by, Meleah! Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday weekend!

X

bichonpawz said...:

May 28, 2012

You sure do have a way with the camera Ron!!! I love them ALL!!! The guy with the dog is hilarious!! They do say that people look like their dogs...but I seriously don't think I look like a bichon???? bwahahahaha!
Have a safe and happy Memorial Weekend!!
xo
Jeanne

Ron said...:

May 28, 2012

Hey there Jeanne~

Thank you for your sweet and kind words, dear lady. Glad you enjoyed.

Isn't the guy with his dog HILARIOUS???

"They do say that people look like their dogs...but I seriously don't think I look like a bichon???? bwahahahaha!"

I think it's more that our personalities are more like our pets. If I were a dog, I would definitely be a miniature schnauzer because I ACT like one - HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Jeanne! Wishing you a Happy Memorial Day weekend!

X to you and the girlz!

Denise said...:

May 28, 2012

These are just wonderful, Ron! I love how the sizing of these photos gives them such a dramatic feel. I can't choose which one I like the most because I like them all for different reasons.

The man and his dog are precious. You're right, they do look indentical. The bicycle stand is very artsy looking, almost like a piece of sculpture.

Thank you for sharing these photos today. Really enjoyed seeing more of Phildelphia.

Have a nice holiday weekend, Ron.

Ron said...:

May 28, 2012

Hola Denise~

Aw...thank you. Glad you enjoyed. I like to post BIG pictures because I think it makes it easier to see all the detail.

" The bicycle stand is very artsy looking, almost like a piece of sculpture."

Yes, it does, doesn't it? It took me a while to figure out that it was a bicycle stand. It stands in front of a clothing store in Old City. I love that part of Philly because it's very artsy and bohemian.

Thanks so much for stopping by, girl! Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

X

Bill-The Authentic Life said...:

May 28, 2012

Is this Philadelphia?

Beautiful photos Ron. I have a bunch of them that sit in my iPhone. That is the amazing thing about digital photography, you can always take more. I remember having to wait for what seemed like weeks to see if a picture was good.

pegbur7 said...:

May 28, 2012

beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing them. I hope you have an awesome remainder of the holiday weekend!

Ron said...:

May 28, 2012

Hiya Peg~

Thank you, dear friend. Hope you have an awesome remainder of the holiday weekend too!

Hope all is going well with the restaurant!

X to you and Dwight!

linda said...:

May 28, 2012

oh the shopping the shopping......great photos ronnie.xxx

Ron said...:

May 28, 2012

Hey there Bill~

Yes....this is Philadelphia! I've not been to Boston, but I've heard from many people who have, that the two cities have a very similar look to their architecture - historical mixed with some modern.

"That is the amazing thing about digital photography, you can always take more. I remember having to wait for what seemed like weeks to see if a picture was good."

Isn't digital photography faaaaaaabulous???? And if you don't like the picture, you can just shoot it again...viola!

Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have a wonderful weekend!

X

Ron said...:

May 28, 2012

*waving*

Hi there Linda~

Thank you.

(((((( You )))))

And thank you for stopping by. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

xoxoxoxo

Pamela D Hart said...:

May 28, 2012

Ron, the pictures are lovely! I adore seeing Philly through your eyes!

Yes, the man and his dog look alike! All the dog needs is a cup of java!

I love the bike stand! That was a neat idea!

Oh the Swarovski Crystal Store! LOVE that place! It's pretty on the outside and inside! hee hee

I think I told you before, I want to take photography classes. I don't take good pictures but would really like to. One of these days I'm going to take a course and seeing YOUR pictures really makes me realize I need to do it SOON!

I hope your weekend has been great so far and that you have a Happy Memorial Day!

((You))

whenpigsfly said...:

May 30, 2012

As always, thank you for posting your photos of Philly. I can't believe you took a photo of my favorite restaurant in the entire world. Vetri is enchanting. It's like being in the middle of Italy within Philadelphia.

You are so talented with the camera. Keep taking pictures and sharing.

Ron said...:

May 30, 2012

Hiya Jen~

You are so welcome. As you know, Philly is such great city to take photos of!

" I can't believe you took a photo of my favorite restaurant in the entire world. Vetri is enchanting. It's like being in the middle of Italy within Philadelphia."

Oh how COOL, I had no idea you've actually eaten there! Vetri is across the street from where I lived (on Spruce) when I first moved back to Philly. I've NEVER eaten there, can you believe that? But I've heard it's AWESOME!

Thanks for stopping by, my friend. And thank you for you sweet and encouraging words. Hope you're having a wonderful week!

X

Herman Turnip said...:

June 12, 2012

These are fantastic. I can't seem to be able to pick a favorite. Like what you did with the street photograph. Did you use a filter on that one?

Ron said...:

June 12, 2012

Hey there Herman~

Thank you.

No, I didn't use a filter on the street photograph, I just sharpened it resized it.

Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy! Have a faaaaaaabulous week!

X to you, Karin, and Mr. Tyler!

Mel said...:

January 28, 2013

Ohmygosh.....I was wondering where the photos had wandered off to! They're excellent, sir.....pure excellence!

The brick one really caught my eye--I think I'm always a tad envious of folks who actually see the shadows. I have to force myself to look....sad truth, but truth none the less.
I should sign up for that shadow shot thing that happens, but I'm too much of a 'OH LOOK....a chicken!!' photographer. *laughing* TRUE!

The puppy needs a cuppa java and the photo would be complete.

I should get a dog--it'd need to be ADHD and have a barrel for coffee....LOL Wonder zackly what puppy would fit the bill for me.

Certainly not a poodle! ROFL

I'm glad to see the photos here. I've MISSED 'em sorely.

Akelamalu said...:

January 28, 2013

All great shots Ron. Love the flowers. :)

Ron said...:

January 28, 2013

Hey there Pearl~

Thank you, m'dear!

((( You )))

Hope you're enjoying a lovely weekend!

X

meleahrebeccah said...:

January 28, 2013

:)

Ron said...:

January 28, 2013

Hellooooooooooo Pam~

Thank you, dear friend :)

One of these days when you and hubby come for a visit, I would love to take you around the city. I think you would really enjoy it.

"Yes, the man and his dog look alike! All the dog needs is a cup of java!"

HAHHHAHAHAHAHA! You're right! Isn't that photo hilariously adorable?

The Swarovksi Crystal Store just opened up not too long ago. The store front is STUNNING!

"I think I told you before, I want to take photography classes. I don't take good pictures but would really like to. One of these days I'm going to take a course and seeing YOUR pictures really makes me realize I need to do it SOON!"

Good for you, girl. Honestly though, I only use a point and shoot camera from Nikon - nothing fancy. One of these days I would like to upgrade to a more advanced camera so I can learn more.

"I hope your weekend has been great so far and that you have a Happy Memorial Day!"

Ditto to you!

((((( You ))))))

Thanks oodles for stopping by!

X

P.S. can you believe how HOT and HUMID it is this weekend????

P.S.S. I LOVE your new avatar. It's so perfect!

Matt said...:

January 28, 2013

Ron, these are all really great shots! Makes urban life look very inviting and appealing. The one of the owner and dog is priceless. And yes, they do look a lot a like :0

Love the one of the chain and drill bicycle stand. Whoever made that was very clever!

Ron said...:

January 28, 2013

Howdy Matt~

Thanks, bud. I'm such a city boy. I love all the various and sometimes extreme contrasts you can witness. There is a raw beauty in urban life - especially the cities on the east coast.

"Love the one of the chain and drill bicycle stand. Whoever made that was very clever!"

I agree, clever and ingenious. I love the rusty chains.

Thanks for stopping by, Matt. Hope you're enjoying a swell holiday weekend!

X

300poundsdown said...:

January 28, 2013

What awesome photos and what a great photographer you are!! My favorite was the dog and the owner. I love it!

Ron said...:

January 28, 2013

Greetings 300poundsdown~

Welcome! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a comment. So nice to meet you!

And thank you for your kind words. I'm just a beginner in photography, but I'm having so much fun learning.

"My favorite was the dog and the owner."

HA! Aren't they adorable?

Please stop by whenever you feel. You're always welcomed here!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

X

Ron said...:

January 28, 2013

Hiya Mel~

Aw...thanks, dearest lady. I may start posting a photography post on Wednesdays. I'm so busy right now with work, but I think once I have off at the end of June, and head down Florida, I may start then. Plus, I'll have different pictures of Florida to show.

"The brick one really caught my eye--I think I'm always a tad envious of folks who actually see the shadows. I have to force myself to look....sad truth, but truth none the less."

Dianne, over at "Do You See What I See" got me very inspired to notice shadows because she posts a lot of them. Also, reflections. Now I notice them ALL THE TIME.

"I should get a dog--it'd need to be ADHD and have a barrel for coffee....LOL Wonder zackly what puppy would fit the bill for me.

Certainly not a poodle! ROFL"

HAHAHHAAHAHHA! That cracked me up!!!!

And no, not a poodle. Perhaps a Saint Bernard - HA!

Thanks oodles for stopping by, Mel!

((((( You ))))))

Enjoy the rest of your long holiday weekend!

X ya!